by LJ Andrews
Sapphire nodded. “I can sense they are at Eisha’s house. Come with me. Don’t forget the blades.”
Sapphire molded into the fierce blue dragon and lowered his shoulder slightly so I could climb on his rigid spine. Taking my place behind his wings, I watched with a dull ache in my chest as the bloody sanctuary faded through the clouds.
Dawn crept along the horizon and when we landed at Eisha’s house, I leapt from Sapphire and hurtled into the back door. I slammed into Dash’s bulky figure and stumbled. He faced me, eyes tormented and exhausted. I saw his forearm, the skin littered in bloody gashes, but he seemed genuinely relieved to see me.
“Dash, you’re alive,” I said, relieved and unable to express it properly. I’d been so certain the warriors had been killed when Bron arrived at the sanctuary.
“You are the new mage,” he whispered. “I felt the darkness lift. What happened?”
Sapphire walked in behind me, clutching the two blades. “Teagan banished the High Priest.”
“Where did you get those?” Dash glared at the swords.
“The sanctuary offered them to Teagan. They are not used for darkness now.”
Dash lifted his brow and smiled, a pure smile crossing his face, and he seemed ready to pull me into a hug. “Amazing. That’s one bright spot. Teagan, the woman the zomoks had—”
“Aunt Liz!” I practically screamed, raging guilt building in my throat. I’d almost forgotten Bron had taken her captive. “Where is she?”
Dash pointed toward a door. “We got her. She’s sleeping, but alive. We’ve already called for a strong mentalist witch to help with her memories. You understand she can’t know about us, right? It’s too dangerous and could stir up a division in magis communities.”
I nodded, almost grateful I wouldn’t have to explain this to Aunt Liz. Not yet.
“Were you injured?” Sapphire asked Dash.
Dash nodded with a frown. “There were so many zomoks, then we were surrounded with lindworms. I don’t understand how so many passed through the barrier. Raffi he . . .” No, I shook my head, I couldn’t hear of another death. “He’s badly wounded, but he’s resting. I wanted to come to you, but I had to take him . . .” Dash trailed off. Sapphire clapped the warrior’s shoulder.
“You fought valiantly, and there is no shame in protecting your fellow warriors.”
“Where’s Jade?” I asked.
Dash cleared his throat and pointed up the stairs. “Eisha is caring for her. It’s the third room at the end of the hallway.”
I took the winding steps two at a time, forgetting how every inch of my body ached. The door was ajar, and I pushed inside. Eisha jumped, her face creased in worry, but Jade smiled at me from the enormous poster bed.
Tears welled in her emerald eyes, and she reached her hands for me. I smiled, the tight emotion breaking through. I didn’t care if I cried, if Jade saw. She was alive.
I leaned over her and brushed her hair from her forehead as if she might disappear. Jade’s middle was wrapped in a strange cloth that smelled oddly of peppermint and lavender. Her warm hand pressed against my blood covered cheek. “You saved us.”
Even with Eisha standing a few feet away, I couldn’t hold back for a moment longer. My lips found hers, and I held the sides of her face as I guided her mouth with mine. The passion and pain of the night expressed through the very touch. I rested my head against hers after a long pause.
“Mini is gone,” I whispered. Jade drew in a shuddering breath, but didn’t speak. “I thought for a second that . . . you . . .”
Jade gripped the back of my arms as I leaned over her. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re still stuck with me.”
I laughed, feeling the weight of the night easing slightly. “I better be.”
A knock came to the door. A woman with hunched shoulders and a long trench coat entered the room. She carried a picnic basket and smelled of basil.
“You need memories wiped?”
“Ah, you must be Gerta,” Eisha said. “Teagan, come.”
I kissed Jade’s knuckles, then followed to the old witch. Some witches had amethyst eyes, or some had one dark, one blue. Aunt Liz had eyes like blue frost, but Gerta stared at me with bright yellow. The most unnerving eyes—and I’d seen Lindworms.
“You can help people to forget?”
Gerta sniffed. “I recreate moments, strange boy.”
One brow lifted. “Strange—”
“Don’t play games, boy. You’re strange. Strange magic. But I don’t ask questions so long as I get paid.” Gerta faced Eisha again.
The dragon nodded. “Of course. We need the last twenty-four hours replaced on an herb witch and the reform house out on Elm Road.”
Gert snorted and wiped her hand beneath her crooked nose. “The whole blasted house?”
“Once my daughter is recovered, she can help. She’s rather skilled with manipulation.”
Gerta eyed Jade in the bed, and tilted her head. “All right. But I lead, girl.”
Jade simply looked out the window. Eisha ushered Gerta down the hall and I shuddered. Yellow eyes or not, this was necessary. Aunt Liz needed to forget. When they left, Sapphire appeared in the doorway.
He seemed so lost without his mage. A distant, glassy look in his eye. We said nothing, but I clapped him on the shoulder and I knew he knew. It didn’t matter if I was the jade bloodline mage, I’d be his too. In the somberness of the room, as Jade tangled her fingers with mine, I vowed to Mini, wherever she might be, nothing would happen to Sapphire. Nothing would happen to any royal so long as I breathed.
***
Two days after Bron returned, I stood on the lawn with Mitch and some of the other reforms. Mitch studied the lawn of the house. The ground was still split and jagged.
“I wonder what Yellowstone looks like. If the quake could do so much damage clear up here, I bet it’s sunk into the ground,” said Lance.
“Sometimes aftershocks can cause more damage,” I suggested, though I didn’t know much about the subject.
“All this damage and we just slept through it,” Mitch said with a touch of suspicion. Though the lawn had been in such disarray for more than a night, it had taken some time arranging the cover-up that the residents of Wyvern Willows might believe. Gerta was skilled, but Jade hadn’t had the same energy as she’d recovered, so the manipulation had taken a toll. But now, as we waited for the white bus, it seemed the story had taken well enough.
“It doesn’t seem possible, does it,” I muttered.
Mitch met my eye. “No. It doesn’t.”
I pinched my lips and started after the others when the bus arrived.
“Teagan,” Mitch said. He waited until I turned. “You know I’m fae, right?”
“Yeah. I’m aware.”
“I know when there are hints of magic left over.” He came closer. “Funny, but I’m getting the same vibes on you that I’m feeling from this . . . earthquake gash.”
“Huh,” I said, face hot. “Well, maybe my defective power can move mountains.”
Mitch lifted a brow, a sly grin on his lips. “Yeah. Maybe.”
I avoided the subject of earthquakes and magic on the way to school. To keep a sense of normalcy, we all agreed to return to the school, at least for a few days. To divert any suspicion for the observant, I supposed.
But I wasn’t normal. I’d never be normal.
“Hey, looks like someone wants to say something to you,” Mitch said once we stepped inside the school.
“Teagan!” Jenna squealed. “I feel like it’s been forever since I saw you. So, what do you say to another weekend at the reform house? Oh, I didn’t notice all your new tats.”
After facing Bron, the seal on my back had shot new wyvern marks across the back of my neck. Jenna’s fingers caressed my shoulders as she traced the marks. Then the flash of gilded hair caught my eye. I beamed and stepped away from Jenna.
“You know, actually I think I’m going to pass. I have other plans.”
Mitch chuckled, but I couldn’t care less about any pout or reaction from Jenna.
“Was I interrupting something?” Jade asked when I leaned into her, my arm curling around her waist.
“Actually, yeah. Can you come back later? I’m more interested in girls who like the bad boys than fierce dragon queens.”
Jade laughed, and Dash rolled his eyes. Raffi still wasn’t well enough to return. A lindworm had nearly taken his head during the fight, but at least I knew he was back at the house with Aunt Liz. For now, Sapphire had convinced my aunt it was family visit week—which meant Eisha’s mansion was filled with the other kids. I wasn’t sure how Eisha felt about it, but Raffi had tamed Diesel and his bullying ways.
I heard Jenna call my name in a huff, but I ignored her and linked my fingers with Jade’s.
“Bold, Teagan Ward,” she said against my lips. “You want to be seen with the weird girl at school.”
I smirked, squeezing her hand tighter when we brushed by a stunned Mitch and a livid Jenna. “Always.”
Chapter 29
One of the blue warrior dragons Raffi and Dash had found to help us fight Bron, had the sudden urge to move to the town of Hamilton. His name was Haitian, and Aunt Liz told me on our Sunday phone call that her new neighbor was handsome and had already started helping with repairs at the old house.
She also informed me if I ruined things with Jade, she wouldn’t let me come home.
I tromped down the stairs of the reform house, my focus set on the front door. It was a cool day, and I was ready to get back to the forest.
“Teagan, will you come here for a moment?” Sapphire called. He sat at his desk as he had always done.
I rolled my eyes just to irritate him. “Yes, sir.”
He came out from behind his desk holding a book in his hand. “You missed your entry in your reflection journal.”
My smile faded. “Are you serious?”
Sapphire raised his brows, slowly sauntering toward the door of his office. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Are you a member of this house? Brett, get off the banister.”
“Yes, sir,” a squeaky elf boy responded.
Sapphire closed the door. “You know, you really should write things down. History is good to have, and you’ve certainly made history.”
I took the journal with a frown. “I’ll give that some thought.”
“Now that things are calming down, I wanted to talk with you. Just you.”
My brow furrowed, and I scooted closer to his desk. “Okay, what’s going on?”
“Nothing, yet. You know that’s not going to be the end of the lindworms. Your banishment will hold, it’s strong, but it’s not eternal. King Nag will know where we are now, he’ll know where Jade is. I have no doubt in your abilities, but Bron is one of the most powerful mages in existence. Only rivaled by the High Priestess, but—”
“She might be just as bad.”
“Yes, that would be a problem,” Sapphire agreed.
I cleared my throat, wondering if I should ask. Sapphire was, to those on the outside, the man who was meant to reform my rebellious spirit, but the truth was he was a friend. Someone I would die protecting now, and I knew he would do the same for me. “Do you think I could, you know, be like them?”
Sapphire cocked his head and tapped his fingers along the desk. “You mean join Nag? Is that a fear of yours because you are likely their son?”
The idea coated my tongue in a bad taste. “Well, even Bron believed that, so it’s pretty likely, right?”
“We still don’t know for certain, but it’s the best guess we have. Look, Teagan,” Sapphire said, leaning forward on his elbows. “Do I think good people can be corrupted? Yes, I do. Bron was a powerful mage for the elementals. I knew him, I respected him. And he betrayed us for power. King Nag is powerful. But never, in all my existence, in all my interactions with the mage race have I sensed a truer heart than yours.
“Even Mini admitted you were purer than her—those were her words, not mine.” A shadow passed over his eyes. “Those blades wouldn’t have summoned for just anyone. As Mini said, you’re the High Priest now. That comes with a lot of power and responsibility. You aren’t alone, though, not anymore.”
I glanced out the window. “I wish Mini were here. I feel like there’s still so much to learn.”
“Me too.” He cleared his throat, blinking several times. “But there are more mages out there, good ones who we will find. And there is the chance the High Priestess isn’t on the side of Bron. We won’t stop trying to find her.”
“Thanks.” I rose from my seat, but paused and met Sapphire’s dark eyes. “I know Mini was your mage, but just so you know, I’m going to keep my promise. I won’t let anything happen to you, or Jade, or any of the royals.”
Sapphire smiled. “I wouldn’t trust my life with anyone else. You know the same is returned by all of us—even Raffi.”
I nodded and opened the door. “Well, sir. I will be out fixing the fences.”
“Don’t be late,” he bellowed in his best counselor voice and I sprinted out the front door.
***
I didn’t want to go to the place where Mini had been murdered. So Jade waited for me at a new place. The ledge was high above the town of Wyvern Willows. We could see the great span of mountains and forests surrounding the town and neighboring cities. Jade hugged her knees against her chest near the edge of the cliff. The wind rustled her hair around her face, and she breathed peacefully. I suspected she enjoyed the cliffside because it gave her the sense of flying.
I smiled, watching her for a moment.
“You’re stunning,” I said and leaned one shoulder against a tree.
Jade turned over her shoulder, grinning. Her injuries had healed and she radiated with new power from the fight. Her eyes were still the striking green pools, but they held more gold than before. “Well, aren’t you filled with flattery, Mr. Ward.”
Settling next to her, I leaned back on my hands and watched a pair of hawks swoop into the clouds. “It isn’t hard to flatter if it’s true.”
Jade rested back against the grass, her fingers tracing the marks on my arms as they always did. I loved the spark each initial touch from her had along my skin. “How are you? We haven’t had any time to really talk. I’ve been worried about you.”
My fingers outlined her face. “I’m better. I’m also afraid. You came so close to . . . well, I don’t know what I would have done. I see how Mini’s death is affecting Sapphire, though he tries to hide it. I feel like I wouldn’t survive if something happened to you.”
Jade met my eye, her face somber. “It won’t happen, Teagan. We can’t think that way because there is more to come. You have my trust, my hope, you have my whole heart. Nothing is going to change that. And I’m dedicated to finding a way to be stronger. I can’t face what’s to come in this form, I’m nearly powerless. I need to find a way to break through whatever is stopping me so I can be there for you. I’m a burden if I can’t shift.”
“You are not a burden,” I said. “You never could be a burden.”
Jade focused back on the clouds. “Well, that is a matter of opinion, I suppose.”
“I’ve been thinking of your shift a lot,” I admitted, a smile on my lips. “I have an idea. Are you willing to try something different?”
“I’m willing to try anything,” she said.
Rolling up to my feet, I stepped to the edge. Below was a breathtaking expanse of trees and rivers and paths.
“I’m certain of this,” I said and took Jade’s hand. “Do you trust me?”
Her brow furrowed when she joined me on the ledge. “You’re being cryptic.”
“Well, do you trust me?”
Jade hesitated. “Yes, I trust you. Teagan, what are you thinking?”
“Trust me,” I repeated. “I’ll need you to save me.”
I didn’t wait for her to say another word before I leapt from the edge of the cliff. Her shrill sc
ream echoed in my ears, drowning in the rush of air.
I plummeted toward the ground. I wasn’t afraid. I knew this was what had to happen.
Spreading my arms wide at my side, I found a way to roll so my face was aimed back at the cliff. Smiling, I watched Jade dive from the ledge. She was freefalling just as I was. But the ground drew nearer, and a prickle of nerves started to inch along my neck.
The clouds devoured Jade, and I lost sight of her.
I could smell the sap along the trees—and I feared I’d just made a fatal mistake.
Then came a flash of emerald.
My body slammed against the smooth scales of a beautiful, green dragon. I wrapped my arms around her neck, clutching tightly as she caught me from my death jump.
My heart soared. I leveraged into sitting behind the joint of her wings. She was extraordinary. Jade’s wings were like calming sea foam, like satin, but strong. Her body sleek but powerful.
Jade rushed toward the sun, darting and spinning through the clouds. I lifted my arms over my head and shouted in ecstasy as she reigned her magnificence over the sky.
After a breathless ride, Jade shot toward the ground too quickly, and before I could catch my breath, she bucked me from her back, tumbling me in a heap on the ground. I coughed and tried to take a deep breath. When I lifted my head, I caught the moment she shifted back into her body. A glimmering green gown covered her skin, but her face was contorted in anger.
“What were you thinking?” she shrieked and punched my shoulder.
I barked a laugh and tackled her, drawing her against my chest. “I was thinking of you. I was thinking of what I would do to keep you alive, and I knew you’d do anything to save me, even shift. You’re incredible.” I kissed her long and hard. “Jade, you’re free.”
Jade struggled against my grip for a moment, trying to be angry. Eventually, she relented when I cupped the side of her face. Her arms wrapped around my neck. “Don’t ever do that again.”
“Only when I want to irritate you.”
“Maybe I won’t catch you, just to irritate you.” I laughed when she lifted her head off the ground and kissed me. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for freeing me.”
